Breastfeeding: What Every Mother Should Know
Having a newborn child can be exciting but also terrifying at the same time. You would do anything to raise the healthiest child possible, but who do you trust to provide you with the correct information?
It seems as if everyone has an opinion, and headlines about new breastfeeding research come out daily. Results overwhelmingly support breastfeeding. Researchers have linked breastfeeding with enriched brain and visual development, decreased rates of obesity and type-2 diabetes later in life, and it is a fact that breastfed babies have leaner body masses. It is hypothesized that these development advantages are linked to the DHA and ARA, the long chain fatty acids contained in breast milk. Prebiotics in the form of lactose, and probiotics (lactobacilus bifidus), are distinct advantages of breast milk compared to formula or cow’s milk.
Breastfed babies have decreased rates of infection, which is particularly important in developing countries. Colostrum, a substance secreted from the breast following the first few days after birth, is rich in antibodies, and helps strengthen the baby’s immune system. All of these nutrients improve the host’s defense system and the maturity of the intestinal tract so it absorbs nutrients much better than if a newborn had consumed cow’s milk or formula alone.
The maternal-infant bonding that occurs while breastfeeding is also important to development of the baby. Maternal intimacy with the infant fostered during breastfeeding has been shown to increase a child’s development and performance in school. Additionally, singing or talking to your child while breastfeeding increases neuro-synaptic connections in the brain.
Taking this all into account, cow’s milk is for baby cows and breast milk is for baby humans. Because there are so many benefits to breastfeeding, organizations have formed to promote its practice. However, sometimes these groups, dubbed “lactivists”, can be intimidating for the new mother.
There are very few reasons where breastfeeding is not possible, such as when a mother is HIV positive or taking certain anti-psychotic medications. Additionally, women may need to return to work before their baby is old enough to transition to solids. In these cases, it is important for mothers to consult with their pediatrician to discuss what options might be available.
Some alternatives may include the use of breast pump, and identifying the best formulas that contain the necessary nutrients found in natural breast milk. These alternatives are helpful when mothers feel intimidated by the information that encourages breastfeeding while they may not be able to follow breastfeeding guidelines and recommendations. By working closely with their pediatrician, the mother can help to ensure a baby receives the vitamins and nutrients that are vital to early development.
If you have any questions or concerns about breastfeeding, Dr. Vazirani is happy to help! With over 40 years of experience in pediatric and neonatal medicine, Dr. Vazirani has helped thousands of women through this critical period in their child’s life.
Dr. Maya Vazirani, Pediatrics and Neonatology
www.healthtap.com/drvazirani
**If you want to find out more about the research surrounding breastfeeding, here is an interesting study. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18458209
